Good morning, Fort Smith.

Nonprofits across the River Valley are seeking volunteers to serve meals, sort donations + ring bells during the holiday season, as Community Rescue Mission, Antioch for Youth and Family, the Salvation Army, and local animal shelters accept sign-ups and donations to support families and pets.

Santa Claus will join the 85th annual Christmas Parade Saturday at 3 p.m. in historic downtown Fort Smith + the event is presented by the Downtown Business Association and the city.

UAFS launched its $85 million Intrepid Ambition campaign on Dec.

8 to boost debt-free education and regional workforce development with an anonymous $7.5 million gift, marking its most ambitious endeavor in nearly 100 years; the university also saw record student events and reaccreditations for key programs.

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will host two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec.

13, at the Stubblefield Center to award 357 degrees in various programs, with board trustees speaking and events livestreamed for family and friends (including a regalia drive to support future graduates).

Fort Smith is hosting the F-35 foreign military pilot training mission — Col. Nicholas 'Matrix' Ihde explained its role in strengthening local security and boosting economic opportunity.

This project supports global defense ties while engaging our community.

UAFS men's basketball won an 89-59 road game at Newman in Wichita on Saturday after a strong 14-0 first-half run, moving to 2-0 in the MIAA and improving to 7-0 overall.

Velcro Pygmies Live Performance

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Majestic Fort Smith — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic musical journey with the World Famous Velcro Pygmies.

An Evening with Jane Austen

6:30-11 p.m. — Bonneville House — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday with a Regency dinner, wine tasting, and dance lessons.

Candlelight Christmas Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas Carols performed by strings under candlelight.

$5 Movie Night at King Opera House

12-2 p.m. — King Opera House — $5 entry — Enjoy a budget-friendly movie screening in a historic venue.

Wiggle Worms Storytime

10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories in a delightful interactive storytime for babies and caregivers.

Children's Storytime

10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and puppetry in a delightful weekly gathering for kids and caregivers.